AFL legend Rory Sloane has suggested that former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley could be a strong candidate for the role of senior assistant coach at Melbourne, following the recent dismissal of Simon Goodwin. This speculation comes on the heels of a public comment from Eddie McGuire, who admonished the Demons for prematurely leaking significant club announcements, including Goodwin’s sacking.
With Goodwin now out, the focus shifts to his potential successors, with several notable names being bandied about as candidates, although their interest remains unconfirmed. Among those mentioned are John Longmire, Adam Simpson, Nathan Buckley, Ken Hinkley, Corey Enright, Hayden Skipworth, Brendon Lade, and Brett Montgomery.
Sloane sees a potential partnership between Hinkley and Enright as a viable option, citing their previous successes together at Geelong. He expressed that Hinkley might be ready for a different role after thirteen years at the helm of Port Adelaide, believing he might prefer stepping back from head coaching duties.
James Hird, another figure often discussed in coaching circles, has definitively ruled himself out of consideration, indicating that while he appreciates being thought of, he is not interested in the position. This sentiment was shared during an appearance on Nine’s Footy Classified.
As the search for a new head coach intensifies, pressure is mounting on current Carlton coach Michael Voss, and there are also future considerations regarding the Tasmanian Devils, who aim to join the league by 2027.
The timing of Goodwin’s dismissal was notably poor, as it was reported just after players were informed. This incident echoes earlier frustrations when the club’s new CEO Paul Guerra’s appointment was leaked before the official announcement; Guerra has since vowed to prevent such leaks in the future.
Eddie McGuire has urged the Melbourne Football Club’s members to unite during this transitional period and maintain professionalism, particularly regarding announcements about coaching changes. He advised that the club should refrain from further publicity until they have solidified their future direction, stressing the importance of presenting a united front to attract prospective coaches and players.
As the situation develops, Melbourne’s next steps in appointing a head coach and the potential roles for trusted figures like Hinkley and Enright remain of significant interest in the AFL community.